With immense satisfaction, I present the results of this annual SOBRASA Reporter during my tenure as president.
Special thanks to our directors who dedicate their time and effort, without any compensation other than the joy of fulfilling the SOBRASA mission: 'UNITING BRAZIL TO PREVENT DROWNINGS’.
Gratitude to our volunteers, warriors of water safety, for their success and for upholding our values of reliability, determination, altruism, proactivity, and generosity. In this way, we have a better, safer, and more prepared society in the safety of our beaches, rivers, lakes, dams, swimming pools, waterfalls, homes, and water sports.
”
Colonel Military Firefighter Fabio Braga Martins, President of SOBRASA (also President of the Brazilian Lifesaving Sports Confederation).
SOBRASA president in class during Surf-Save, at Macumba Beach, RJ.
Em parceria com
4,067 Volunteers
4,873 Prevention actions
314,108 People reached directly
65 students per action (on average) 13 actions per day Click the arrow to learn more.
13,479 hours
942,324 Family members reached 172,753 children 141,355 adults
In partnership with worked by our volunteers
SOCIAL MEDIA
224,758
Followers on social media
42,459 facebook
107,729 Instagram
16,430 Youtube
11,280 Whatsapp groups
2,503 Telegram group members
14,151 webpage subscriber
21 million impressions
58,140 Others (X, LinkedIn, Trends, TikTok, Pinterest and others)
37,674 posts
1,563 PRESS REPORTS
TVs, Radios, Newspapers, blogs, and others (ATL). € 1.920.959,87 generated from earned media
176 million people coverage
1,3 billion Views
DETERMINED Volunteers making a difference in Prevention
Top events 2023
SOBRASA launches
National Strategic Plan for Water Safety 2023
Men die, on average, 6.4 times more than ohter genders.
Every 90 minutes a Brazilian dies from drowning.
DROWNING is the 1st cause of death for ages 1 to 4, 3rd cause for ages 5 to 9, 4th cause for ages 10 to 24.
70% of deaths occour in rivers and reservoirs.
4 children die from drowning every day.
Partnership SOBRASA & DHL 2023
THE SOBRASA Board and its 4,067 volunteers express their gratitude:
To DHL, for believing that our mission, beyond a dream, is a reality that transforms the lives of many families throughout Brazil from north to south, east to west in this continental country that daily laments the loss of 15 of its children – THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
To all the VOLUNTEERS who have been with us throughout these 28 years of fight against drowning – THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
See that one, in the photo? That’s you without a doubt!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
World Drowning Prevention Day
REPORT
“Anyone can drown, no one should”
2023
27 Brazilian states participated in the 'Go Blue' movement, illuminating landmarks in blue, promoting on-site actions, or sharing knowledge digitally.
The campaign issued a primary alert emphasizing the fact that we all can drown, regardless of water competence, and this can avoid with PREVENTION.
World Drowning Prevention Day
Declared by the United Nations in 2021, July 25th was chosen to remind that PREVENTION is the solution to drownings worldwide.
In Brazil, SOBRASA organized the GO Blue campaign, drawing attention to alarming statistics:
Every 90 minutes, a Brazilian dies from drowning.
2023
28 years preventing drownings
Three achievements were highlighted by SOBRASA during the webinar with the World Health Organization:
1. UNITED BRAZIL IN DROWNING REDUCTION.
2. GENERATED SCIENCE ON DROWNING FOR SOLUTION.
3. ASSEMBLED 3,500 VOLUNTEERS implementing over 15 different drowning prevention programs.
World Drowning Prevention Day
BRAZIL’S RESULTS
27 states of the Brazilian Federation 2023
23 million
4,000 coverage
391
235 Participating Institutions
actions
1,358 Involved Volunteers
Hours of monuments illuminated in blue
10,864 Illuminated monuments in blue
“I am part of the solution, not the problem”
impressions 158
27 states of the Brazilian Federation
Posts on SOBRASA social media 380
TVs, Radio, Newspapers, and Digital. followers 220,000 Return generated from earned media
Does not include 8.000 hours of volunteer work and individual expenses, as well as expenses from institutional partners. Execution Investments
Action Manual for World Drowning Prevention Day –
July 2023
The SOBRASA produced a free guidance manual for everyone who wished to participate in the online or in-person event.
Professor Polônio
octopus and leader of the volunteer efforts during the World Drowning Prevention Day, in honour of Professor Antônio Santos, Head of the SAFE POOL Department, for all his effort, dedication to the mission of reducing drownings, and his eight arms represent his constant attention to everyone around him, both in and around water.
World Drowning Prevention Day
FROM NORTH TO SOUTH – FANTASTIC RESULTS
23,103,530 views
Estádio Olímpico PARÁ
Views by regions
NORTH 140,067
NORTHEAST 308,857 MIDWEST 254,428
SOUTHEAST 22,124,377
SOUTH 275,801
Palácio BURITI DISTRITO FEDERAL
Cristo Redentor RIO DE JANEIRO
Palácio Iguaçu PARANÁ
Palácio do Governo ALAGOAS
APPRECIATION FOR NATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
AABB Brasil - Associação dos funcionários do Banco do Brasil
ABMAR – Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Áreas Remotas
ABNT – Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas
ACAD Brasil - Associação das Academias
Anhaguera Educacional - Universidades
Arquidiocese do Rio de Janeiro
ASMERJ – Associação de Surfistas Médicos do RJ
Azul Airlines
BAND - Rede Bandeirantes de TV
Bandeira Azul
BR Marinas
CBDA - Confederação Brasileira de Desportos Aquáticos
CCFEx - Centro de Capacitação Física do Exército
CDEx - Comissão de Desportos do Exército
CEBEM- Comitê Brasileiro de Esportes Masters
COB - Comitê Olímpico Brasileiro
CBC - Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões
CONFEF - Conselho Federal de Educação Física
Congresso Brasileiro de Cirurgia
Cruz Vermelha Brasileira
DDM - Departamento de Desporto Militar
Defesa Civíl Nacional
Eco Ponte - Grupo Eco Vias
Eletromídia
Exército Brasileiro
FAB - Força Aérea Brasileira
G1 - Grupo Globo
GNU – Grêmio Náutico União
Instituto Mar Adentro
Instituto Teo LaborneItaipú Binacional
Marinha do Brasil
Metodologia Gustavo Borges
Ministério da Saúde
Ministério do Turismo
GEAT - Grupo Especializado em Atendimento ao Trauma
In partnership with
Mormaii
NAUI - Escolas de mergulho
Polícia Federal
PROFESP - Programa Forças nos Esportes
Rede Globo
Roda Gigante (RJ) - Grupo Yupstar
SAMU Regionais
SBAIT – Soc. Bras. Integ. De Atend. Ao Trauma
SBT – Rede televisão
SESC - Serviço Social do Comércio
SINDICLUBES
Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria
SOSSUL
Superior Tribunal de Justiça do Futebol
Swim Channel
TIM - Telecomunicações
TV Brasil
UNESP - Botucatu
UNIFA - Universidade da Força Aérea
USP – Medicina, Anestesia
UNINASSAU - Universidades Maurício de Nassau
Partnership for the program "Kim at School"
SOBRASA is pleased to announce our second renewal of our partnership in the Kim at School program with the "Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation".
The "Princess Charlene of Monaco" Foundation is committed to building a world where children from all backgrounds can thrive in a safe environment and learn to live together. Their missions are to save lives by fighting against drowning and to develop children's education through the values of sport.
Since its creation on December 14, 2012, the Foundation has been supporting and financing educational projects worldwide through three programs that provide theoretical,
practical, and sports training for children and adults, raising awareness about water hazards. More than 900,000 people in 40 countries have already benefited from the Foundation's programs.
Yet another great institution believing in SOBRASA’S work and supporting all our volunteers who fight against drowning on a daily basis through Prevention.
Thank you, Princess Charlene of Monaco, for believing in and investing in our Brazilian children.
This document was produced with the financial assistance of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of SOBRASA and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the Princess
Charlene of Monaco Foundation.”
About the Foundation and the Princess Charlene Of Monaco
The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state, situated in the South of France in Europe
Princess Charlene of Monaco was born in 1978 in Zimbabwe and has had a passion for swimming since early childhood. In 1996, she won the South African Swimming Championships. In 2000, his team placed fifth at the Sydney Olympics. She also secured the gold medal in the 200 meters backstroke at an international event held in Monaco. It was during this time that she met Prince Albert. In 2002, he won gold medals at the Swimming World Cup and stopped competing in 2007 after qualifying for the Beijing Olympics. Having grown up in Africa, she raised her awareness of childhood issues, leading her to teach swimming to underprivileged children throughout her career. Since its establishment in 2012, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation has been saving lives by combating drowning and promoting children's education through sports values, supporting and financing educational projects worldwide.
"PCOMF" is a partner of the "Kim at School" program
I can swim and I won’t drown! It's a common notion that just knowing how to swim it is a blindage against drowning has proven to be a big misconception. Many skilled swimmers, surfers and experienced "acquamen" drown and die. Simply because we have limitations, and we need to acknowledge and respect them.
LEARN WATER SAFETY WITH SWIM CLASSES
International Partnerships and Collaborations
ILCOR - Collaboration on the "Consensus on Science with Treatment Recommendations – CoSTR"Collaboration on the new recommendations on drowning.
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION - Collaboration on the new recommendations on drowning.
IDRA – Co-management of the institution with the other 6 founding members in various projects and objectives, among them, cooperation with the WHO, Symposium in Ireland "Drowning and climate changes", and others.
OMS – Collaboration in the development of nomenclature and categorization of fatal and non-fatal drownings.
ILS MEDICAL COMISSION - Collaboration as “Medical Position Statements on Drowning”
ILS PREVENTION COMISSION - Collaboration as “Prevention Position Statements on Drowning”.
ILS EDUCATION COMISSION - Collaboration as “Education Position Statements on Drowning”.
ILS WATER SAFETY COORDINATION AND ADVOCACY PLANNING COMMITTEE - Collaboration as “Water Safety Position Statements on Drowning”.
Do Your Own manikin task force.
EPSA - Equipo Profesional de Salvamento Acuático – Intercollaboration in the management of the Latin American Week and coordination of the Latin American Committee for Aquatic Rescue –CLAS.
Rush University Multidisciplinary Critical Care Grand Rounds – Drowning Chain of Survival.
Texas Pediatric Society - Texas (EUA) – Class in Clinical Session.
ILS Americas Mexico – International Congress of ILS Americas Mexico - Class “ahogamiento –nuevos protocolos”.
WHO - Webinar on World Drowning Prevention Day with 3 highlights of SOBRASA in prevention since its foundation.
OPAS – Gathering and Collaborating on Drowning Prevention.
Class for Lifeguards, Fire Departments, Civil Defense and Health Professionals
Brazilian’s states: RS, MT, MS, PR, AM, SP, RJ, PE, RN, DF, MA, AP, PA, SE, SC, MG, ES and more
Participation in the WHO Webinar World Drowning Prevention Day - July 25
SOBRASA actions being shown in the official WHO video at the "World Drowning Prevention Day"
Participation describing prevention actions in Brazil
Videos produced by SOBRASA and aired by WHO
776 Instructions for Adults on Drowning Prevention
XXII SOBRASA RESCUE – Itapema SC
The Military Fire Department of Santa Catarina – CBMSC and the Brazilian Lifesaving Society – SOBRASA, held the XXII SOBRASA RESCUE – ITAPEMA 2023 from November 9th to 11th, 2023, in the city of Itapema – Santa Catarina, Brazil with the participation of 445 lifeguards from Brazil and invited international teams.
9th - Morning - Technical meeting of the SOBRASA Advisory Council Afternoon - National Symposium on Aquatic Safety.
10th - 8am to 5pm – Beach/Sea Competitions Run-Swing-Run 200-300-200m - Open e Master; Surf Race - Open e Master; Board Race - Open e Master; Surk-Sky Race- Open; Lifebelt Rescue - Open e Master; Beach Sprint - Open e Master; Beach Flag - - Open e Master; Ocean Man Relay – Open.
11th – 10am to 3pm - Swimming Pool Competitions
50m manikin carry - Open e Master; 100m manikin carry with fins - Open e Master; 4x25m manikin carry relay - Open e Master; e 4x50m rescue medley relay - Open e Master.
XXII SOBRASA RESCUE – Itapema SC
SYMPOSIUM
The main theme was the drowning deaths that prevail in freshwater in the Brazil countryside.
XXII SOBRASA RESCUE – Itapema
- SC
SOBRASA Challenge
Winners of the SOBRASA RESCUE CHALLENGE 2023
Competing for a SOBRASA rescue board, the challenge was to post a video on social media discussing the use of lifesaving sports as a prevention tool, and the winners were those who garnered the most likes. Congratulations to lifeguards Debora Silveira Mota and Melody Ortiz from Rio de Janeiro.
XXII SOBRASA RESCUE – Itapema - SC
SOBRASA KIDS
SOSSul
Few countries face such extraordinary challenges: the force of our nature, which demands constant readiness, the density of some of the largest cities on the planet, and the ability to host events of global proportions
In this environment, always supporting military corporations and private companies, SOSSul has been established and stands out since 1998.
SOSSul" is a partner of SOBRASA RESCUE.
VII Brazilian Symposium on Health in Surfing
Itamambuca - SP
Scientific Production 2023
33 SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN 2023
1) David Szpilman and Board of Directors 2022-26. Volunteers Action Manual. Brazilian Society of Aquatic Rescue - SOBRASAPublished online on http://www.sobrasa.org, August 2023
2) David Szpilman and Board of Directors 2022-26. ANNUAL SOBRASA REPORTER 2022 - Brazilian Society of Aquatic Rescue SOBRASA - Published online on http://www.sobrasa.org, Year 1: January 2023. English version. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.35250.07365
3) David Szpilman, Antonio Santos and the 2022-26 Board of Directors. PISCINA+SEGURA Week Tutorial Brazilian Society of Aquatic Rescue - SOBRASA - Published online on http://www.sobrasa.org, February 2023
4) David Szpilman, Luke Luciano and the 2022-26 Board of Directors. KIM AT SCHOOL tutorial. Brazilian Society of Aquatic Rescue - SOBRASA - Published online on http://www.sobrasa.org, February 2023.
5) David Szpilman and Board of Directors 2022-26. SOBRASA KIDS Tutorial. Brazilian Society of Aquatic Rescue - SOBRASAPublished online on http://www.sobrasa.org, February 2023.
6) And 26 others
DISTINGUISHED
Volunteer with 78 actions in 2023
SOBRASA Instructor
Rhalph Valverde - SP
Become a
New SOBRASA strategic plan
Biennium 2023/4
We are constantly advancing in our strategic plan with the goal of bringing best practices and more resources to the actions carried out by our 4,000 volunteers in drowning prevention.
Podcast with Dr Danielli Melo - PhD
Sobrasa on TV MEDIA
Jornal Hoje – Rede GLOBO
BOM DIA BRASIL – Rede GLOBO
BECOME A SOBRASA VOLUNTEER
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Brazil in the spotlight worldwide
Australian Rip Current Documentary Screened at World Drowning Prevention Conference in Australia.
Less than 10% of lifeguards in Brazil are Women
Embrace Equity
“we need more women in drowning prevention”
SOBRASA in the Campaign Against Skin Cancer
Surf-Lifesaving Australia, DHL and SOBRASA in a gathering
SOBRASA prepares an EDUCATIONAL GAME for mobile phone
The game will be used to educate children in the different water scenarios: House, Pool, Rivers and Beaches.
INSTRUCTION TO AQUATIC SPORTSMEN
Fire Department Espírito
Santo and SOBRASA
SOBRASA at the WHO meeting in India
Mr. Eduardo Santos, SOBRASA operational manager, participated in presenting Brazil's performance in the themes of prevention, rescue and first aid in drowning.
LATIN AMERICAN WEEK DROWNING PREVENTION
Tributes to Dr Szpilman
Secretary-General SOBRASA
Honorary Trophy David Szpilman for Excellence in Science – Brazilian Association of Medicine in Remote Areas - ABMAR
One of the 8 rooms of the World Conference on Drowning Prevention (Pearth – Australia) named Dr David Szpilman
Title of "fellow" of the Brazilian Association of Emergency Medicine - ABRAMEDE
Angels of Araguaia Program 2023
Military Fire Brigade of the State of Goiás
IHRSA Fitness Brazil
Dr Danielle Melo - PhD
At the largest fitness, health and wellness event in Latin America.
SOBRASA KIDS
Open Water ‘Mares’ Circuit.
Congress ABRAMEDE
Medicine
SOBRASA KIDS –
National Day
NGO: Living a Surfing Dream (VUSS)
Grêmio Náutico União - GNU Workshop
Aquatic Emergencies in Swimming Pools
Lifeguards, health professionals, SAMU, Fire Department, Civil Defense and Swimming and Aquatic Sports Instructors – Porto Alegre - RS.
National Meeting of Responsible Tourism
Ministry of Tourism and Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN)
SWIMMING POOL + SAFE
Four weeks across Brazil
Swimming Schools, Gyms, SWIM Clubs & Water Parks
How to improvise a life jacket for your classes
What are the life jacket options?
How to help, without drowning
How to perform first aid
Week 4 POOL+SAFE
Acqua Fitness Gym & Swim School Rio de Janeiro - RJ
SWIMMING POOL + SAFE
Four weeks across Brazil
Swimming Schools, Gyms, SWIM Clubs & Water Parks
13-19 February 22-28 May 21-27 August 20-26 November
International Swimming Meeting – São Paulo
Gustavo Borges Methodology
Gustavo Borges Methodology
The Gustavo Borges Methodology organizes annually together with SOBRASA 4 WEEKS POOL+SAFE throughout the year, reaching more than 425 swimming schools and academies, their teachers and swimmers.
RESULTS
3,375 ACTIONS 152,842 teachers, students, and parents involved.
SURF-SAVE National Day
“International Drowning Symposium”
What was the SOBRASA Impact actions at the World Drowning Prevention Day
June 2023 – SOBRASA Presentation
International Symposium on Drowning Prevention
SOBRASA KIDS
National Day
World Conference on Drowning Prevention
Perth, Austrália - 5 a 7 dezembro 2023
Download the book of abstracts of the articles presented
Col. Fabio Braga, Sgt. França (CBMRS) and others together presented 15 scientific articles at the Conference.
KIM AT SCHOOL
National Day
Tributes Meetings & Ceremonies
Director Magna Costa participating in the 1st Aquathlon of Indoor Fire, organized by the Fire Department of Rio Grande do Norte - CBMRN.
1st Monitoring Seminar of Shark Incidents in Pernambuco
Mr. Josafá in a lecture on the problem of Drowning in the country and in the world, pointing out Sobrasa's suggestions and how the preventive work on Shark Attack in Pernambuco (Recife) has obtained positive results.
Shark Incident Monitoring Committee
Aquatic Emergencies Workshop – DF
Public: CBMDF, Civil Defense, SAMU, Health Professionals and Aquatic Athletes
Pinhais – PR - Institute of Higher Learning Lecture "DROWNING”
Col Edemilson Barros PR
Workshop
New Protocols in Drowning
Paraná Military Fire Department
Tributes
Sporting highlight to SOBRASA
Merit Medal from the 8th Fire Battalion of Parana for outstanding services rendered
Grêmio Náutico União
Col. Edemilson Barros, Dr. David Szpilman and Dr. João Claudio
LIFEGUARD DAY
DECEMBER 28th
CELEBRATED in RIO GRANDE DO SUL
Claudenir Celestino
Why we come together?
To tackle the drowning problem
Every day ONE child drowns at home.
Children above 10 years old and adults drown more in natural waters (rivers, dams and beaches).
45% occur In the summer (Dec to Mar)
Children under 9 years old drown the most in Swimming Pools & Residences.
55% of drowning deaths in the 1 to 9 age group occur in residences.
Children aged 4 to 12 who can swim drown more from pump suction in swimming pools.
David Szpilman & Sobrasa Board of Directors 2022-26. Drowning –Epidemiological Bulletin in Brazil 2023. Brazilian Society of Aquatic Rescue SOBRASA - Published online on http://www.sobrasa.org, July 2023.
Every
3 days
a TOURIST dies in Brazil
31% are tourists from São Paulo, and 22% of deaths occur with tourists in the state of Santa Catarina.
A 47% reduction in drowning mortality over 26 years (1995-2021) indicates a successful path in the fight against this endemic.
Considering the exposure time, drowning has a 200 times more risk of fatality than transportation incidents. Northern Brazil has the highest mortality rate
Each drowning death costs Brazil US$ 42,424.24
DROWNING is an ACCIDENT ? "Drowning is not an accident, it does not happen by chance, it is preventable, and this is the best form of treatment “ Szpilman, 2005.
David Szpilman & Sobrasa Board of Directors 2022-26. Drowning –Epidemiological Bulletin in Brazil 2023. Brazilian Society of Aquatic Rescue SOBRASA - Published online on http://www.sobrasa.org, July 2023.
Why we come together?
To tackle the drowning problem
For every 10 drowning-related deaths of Brazilians, 9 occur before reaching the hospital.
Even great swimmers can drown when they do not respect their limits or by a sudden reduction in their aquatic competence.
The estimated risk of death from drowning in a bathing area without lifeguards is 60 times higher
For every 18 rescues performed by lifeguards, 1 requires hospital care.
For every 38 drowned patients treated at the hospital, 1 dies.
1. Szpilman D; Near-Drowning and Drowning Classification: A proposal to stratify mortality based on the analysis of 1,831 cases. CHEST; VOL 112; ISSUE 3;1997. 2.Szpilman D, Oliveira RB, Mocellin O, Webber J. Is drowning a mere mater of resuscitation? Resuscitation 129 (2018) 103-106. 3.Venema AM, Groothoff JW, Bierens JJLM. The role of bystanders during rescue and resuscitation of drowning victims Resuscitation 2010;81(4):434–439. 4.Szpilman D, Bierens JJLM, Handley AJ, Orlowski JP. Drowning: Current Concepts N Engl J Med 2012;366:2102-10 In partnership with
Why we come together?
To tackle the drowning problem
Do you know what the biggest challenge is?
Drownings have a risk 200 times greater than a traffic events when considering exposure time.
Lifeguards will never be able to cover more than 30% of aquatic risk areas.
Brazil has one of the largest number of professional lifeguards in the world.
David Szpilman & Sobrasa Board of Directors 2022-26. Drowning –Epidemiological Bulletin in Brazil 2023. Brazilian Society of Aquatic Rescue SOBRASA - Published online on http://www.sobrasa.org, July 2023.
Deaths/100,000 pop. Brazil
48% reduction in drowning mortality over 26 years (1995-2021).
More than 70% of drowning deaths occur in places where there will never be lifeguards to save you. Adopting the right attitude by KNOWING THE RISKS and UNDERSTANDING YOUR LIMITS is the way to go! EDUCATION is the perfect tool! Learn more about our educational programs and prevention tools.
Brazilian Strategic Plan for Water Safety
Building the understanding of the DROWNING burden (annual Bulletin 2023), SOBRASA has developed the Brazilian Water Safety Strategic Plan with 5 steps, addressing the 10 items recommended by the United Nations and the World Health Organization to reduce these incidents.
“To solve a problem, we must first see it, admit it, and know it” Szpilman and Palacios, 2017
Get to know SOBRASA
10 items recommended by the United Nations and World Health Organization and SOBRASA actions.
United Nations & WHO SOBRASA Actions
4 Strategies for Drowning Reduction
Strengthen public education through communication Daily posts to 200,000 followers
Develop a Brazilian Strategic Plan for Water Safety
Prevention elaborated through data collection and scientific studies
6 Drowning Reduction Interventions
Install water access barriers
Provide safer places for preschool-aged children
Teach water safety to school-aged children
Train the public in Water Safety
Define and enforce safe navigation
Build resilience and manage flood risk
Our Strategic Plan is updated annually
SOBRASA Publications and Recommendations
Swimming Pool+Safe Program
Home+Safe Program
Kim at School, Sobrasa Kids and Pool+Safe Programs
Surf-Save and Aquatic Emergencies Programs
Sail+Safe and Boat+Safe programs
Municipality+Resilient Drowning Program
1 Brazilian Strategic Plan for Aquatic
Safety 2024-25
Investigate and understand the drowning problem at international, national, regional and local levels.
Bring together institutions and organizations involved in the problem and the solution, strengthening the union and providing help for the multiplication of volunteers in the fight against drowning.
Educating the population about the risks of drowning and its solutions. Daily posting on social media with a reach of 220,000 followers and punctual actions in formal media (TV, radio and newspaper)
Free and customized prevention programs for the public (from simple to complex) "one size fits all".
Who are we?
Founded in 1995, it represents Brazil at the International Lifesaving Federation - ILS.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
13 directors, 56 heads of departments, and 210 Consultants.
OUR MISSION
Uniting Brazil to reduce drowning.
More than 4,000 volunteers in the field of Water safety.
All of them work on a voluntary basis, without receiving fees or subsistence allowances.
Get to know SOBRASA
Who are we?
Board of Directors
Vice presidents
Col Joel Prates - RS
Col BM Onir Mocellin – SC
Col Edemilson Barros – PR
Col Jefferson Vilela – SP
Sr Jorge Cerqueira – BA
Col Silva Júnior – PA
Cmdr Nuno Leitão – Portugal
Col Carlos Smicelato – SP
Col Luiz Monteiro Silva Júnior – RN
Col Alexandre Cerqueira - ES
Lt.Col. Márcio Morato – DF
Dr David Szpilman – RJ (serves as Secretary-General)
Secretary-General
I am a medical doctor with residency and specialization in internal medicine and intensive care, focusing on drowning; Founder, former President, former Medical Director, and current Secretary General of SOBRASA; Former Head of the Intensive Care Unit at Miguel Couto Municipal Hospital; Lieutenant Colonel Medical Retired of The Fire Department of Rio de Janeiro (CBMERJ), head of the Drowning Resuscitation Center for 12 years; Member of the Medical, Prevention and Education Council of the International Lifesaving Federation (ILS); Member of the Technical Chamber of Sports Medicine of CREMERJ and co-founder of the International Drowning Researchers’ Alliance (IDRA). Lifeguard trained by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, California; Knighted by the International Lifesaving Federation; Medical reviewer for journals such as Resuscitation, New England Journal of Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and British Medical Journal Author of 4 books, 112 book chapters, and over 240 national and international medical articles on drowning Invited speaker at more than 850 lectures
I'm Magna Costa, Executive Secretary, triathlete and swimmer My first contact with SOBRASA was in 2018, through a friend who is an open water swimmer and lifeguard. I took the course, and since then I have become the first woman lifeguard certified by SOBRASA, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Since then and forever I have become an agent in the prevention and mitigation of drowning and I practice my sport in a safer way
Get to know SOBRASA
Who are we?
Administrative
Fundraising
Health & Science
Board of Executive Directors
I am André Ferraz, Colonel of the Remunerated Reserve (RR) of the Pernambuco Military Fire Brigade (CBMPE), Lifeguard, International Diving Instructor and Rescue Boat Operator. I was Pernambuco State Coordinator of Protection and Civil Defense and Commander of the Lifesaving Serivce of Fire Department; Postgraduate in Aquatic Environments (UNICAP) and in Strategic Planning (Uninassau). Today, in addition to being a volunteer at SOBRASA, I am a Plastic Artist and Vice-President of the Pernambuco Rowing Federation.
I am Ricardo Antoniazzi Pelliccioni, retired Lieutenant Colonel, from the Fire Department of the State of São Paulo, where I worked most of my career in the activity of lifesaving, specifically in the role of lifeguard and maritime rescue.
I am Lúcia Eneida Rodrigues, Infectious Disease Specialist, Intensivist and Hyperbaric, with a focus on prevention and rescue in diseases of the aquatic environment; Currently working in Offshore Medicine.
Education and Prevention
I'm Professor Dr. Danielli Mello, graduated in Physical Education and I work in Higher Education as a Full Professor at the Army Physical Education School (EsEFEx), with Exclusive Dedication, in the area of Exercise Physiology
Rescue
am Juliano de Figueiredo Silvério Alves, Veteran of the Military Fire Department of the State of Minas Gerais, Nurse with specialization in Urgency and Emergency, PHC, Intensive Care and Cardiology. I have participated in lifesaving activities since 1992, in addition to being a SOBRASA volunteer I work as a Diving Instructor by NAUI and First Aid by HSI
Get to know SOBRASA
Who are we?
OUR MENTORS
Col. BM RR Edemilson de Barros - CBMPR
I served at the Parana State Fire Department (CBMPR) as Chief of Staff and General Commander in the year 2018. I worked for 7 years as the Executive Coordinator of Protection and Civil Defense for the State. I participated in 16 Summer Operations during my career, commanding the lifeguard team in 6 of them. I believe that life only makes sense when we have a greater purpose of helping others, positively impacting their lives. This is the driving force that motivates me to contribute daily to the reduction of drowning deaths in our country through SOBRASA. If our actions, as SOBRASA, reach just one citizen who recognizes the importance of prevention, all our efforts will have been worthwhile.
I am a former swimming athlete, triathlete, and lifeguard trained at Fire Department of Pará - CBMPA (1998) and CBMPE (2000). Currently, I am the State Director and Vice President of SOBRASA. My association with SOBRASA began in 2007 when the State of Pará participated in the South American Brazilian Lifesaving Championship in Guaratuba/PR, where I started being part of the advisory council. My main goal is to raise awareness among all members of CBMPA about the importance of developing drowning prevention in our region through lectures in schools, clubs, associations, and other places where we can spread the message.
In 1997, I participated in the 2nd SOBRASA RESCUE organized by SOBRASA in partnership with CBMERJ There, my passion for the activity began after being an athlete in Water Polo and swimming In 2000, I took the Lifeguard Course by CBMERJ and had the opportunity, along with SOBRASA, to take the rescue course with surfboard, jet ski, and inflatable boat These courses helped me write the Lifesaving Manual for CBMDF and coordinate various Water Safety courses for CBMDF, PMDF, Civil Police, COT (Federal Police), PRF, Security for Authorities in the Army and Air Force I revised the curriculum for Water safety and rescue dive for CBMDF As my major contributions, I co-authored comic books on prevention in pools, rivers, beaches, and floods for SOBRASA.
Physical Education professional with specialty in aquatic activities, manager of Acqua Fitness Swimming School, Head of the Pool + Safe Department at Sobrasa.
Col. BM João José da Silva Júnior - CBMPA
Lt. Col. BM RR Marcio Morato Alvares - CBMDF
Prof. Antonio Santos.
Get
Who are we?
OUR EMPLOYEES
Regis Amadeu
Professional diver and swimmer! Entrepreneur with training in MKT and Business Management, educator and SOBRASA volunteer, responsible for the area of partnerships and fundraising
Josafá José de Lima
Lifeguard, Physical Educator, Beach and Pool Lifeguard Instructor
Currently manager of SOBRASA volunteers.
Rhalph Valverde de Camargo
Married, 50 years old, graduated in Physiotherapy 25 years ago, I worked for 15 years in ICU, I am a Lifeguard Instructor of the international Certifier NAUI since 2020, SOBRASA Instructor, SOBRASA volunteer, responsible for RL Aquatic Rescue, a school specialized in the Training of PROFESSIONAL LIFEGUARDS. Currently responsible for SOBRASA Customer Service for Users.
Prof. Eduardo Santos
Specialist in water activities, marketing & sports management. Lifeguard, RNLI member and SOBRASA Volunteer. Acting as SOBRASA's operational manager, I seek to contribute to everyone's success in drowning prevention.
Rodrigo Rangel de Siqueira
Entrepreneur, Marketing and Communication professional with more than 20 years of experience in the advertising business. In my spare time I enjoy sailing and surfing. As a Sobrasa volunteer, I started to act in life with more purpose. I dedicate my time and professional experience to the development of the institution, preventing drowning.
Journalist Amanda Araújo de Lira
Journalist with 18 years of experience in media and press offices, Photographer, Philosopher, Media Trainer, Crisis Management Specialist, Organizational Planning and Management Specialist, Volunteer and Communication and Press Advisor at SOBRASA.
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28 years uniting experts and lifeguards with a single mission: REDUCE DROWNINGS!
Free drowning prevention programs throughout the national territory;
Prevention, rescue and first aid protocols, supporting our lifeguards on a daily basis;
Partnership with more than 40 national and international institutions (UN, WHO, ILS and many others);
Reliable, determined, selfless, proactive, and generous volunteers, united by a cause.
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110 major prevention actions reaching more than 130 million people in Brazil and Latin countries;
A portal with more than 8 GB of free technical materials;
Leadership and participation in the main national and international protocols and strategies to combat drowning (ILCOR, AHA and others);
5 338 scientific articles published in the area of water safety;
2,234 participations in scientific and sporting events.
3 Simple Attitudes that transform reality and reduce drownings
1 Understanding the DROWNING issue
Aquatic setting, age group, gender, activity, precipitating factor, season, time, etc.
Plan interventions
Consider triggers, actions, interventions, and actors.
Implement and re-evaluate
Preparedness, prevention, response and mitigation. 2 3
For every problem, an
3
simple attitudes that
transform
reality and reduce DROWNINGS
2 Understand the DROWNING burden in your area. Multiply prevention
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3
Choose one action/program that BETTER IMPACT your local problem. Any action can save a life, no matter how small it may seem (Implement and re-evaluate your results).
90% of drowning deaths in BEACHES occur at RIP CURRENTS.
Preserve your greatest Treasure! Obey the signs.
Prevention Programs
DROWNING PREVENTION with the use of education is our DNA
CONSIDERATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE ACTIONS AND SOLUTIONS IN PREVENTION
Prevention is still a major challenge, which must be managed with planning.
Here are some tips:
1. Understand what the problem is in your area and what audience you are talking to, so that both variables are adequate. Use simple, understandable language, and be succinct: little and impactful information will be better kept.
2. Accept your limitations in personal, material, and local resources; do what is possible, and it will already be of great help in saving lives.
3. Explore your strength in what you consider yourself more capable and avoid discussing or addressing subjects or tasks that are still to be acquired in your toolkit.
4. Gather everyone who is involved and concerned about the drowning issue in your area. The union will bring excellent alternatives and information, with new resources for your actions.
5. Focus on the main objective is essential, as the possibilities for actions are enormous and the audience is very heterogeneous. Start simple!
Registered Trademark INPI*
KIM AT SCHOOL
Year 2023 = 645 actions that reached 11,432 elementary school students.
The Sobrasa program, unprecedented in Brazil, teaches elementary school children (6 to 9 years old) in public and private schools how to relate to water in a safer way, avoiding drowning and acting as multipliers of this information with parents and guardians. The program includes the use of theatre, cartoon videos, comic books, the use of puppets and marionettes, and simple presentations administered by teachers, athletes, or lifeguards.
(*) INPI – National Institute of Intellectual Property.
Conducted in 18 states in Brazil from 2010 to 2023. Average involvement of 695,000 children and teachers.
Prevention Programs
Registered Trademark INPI*
POOL + SAFE
Pools and homes account for 55% of all drowning deaths in the age group of 1 to 9 yo.
Created in 2012, Pool + Safe is taken to schools, gyms, and swimming clubs, sparking the interest of new students and guardians seeking aquatic practices in safe environments with qualified guidance.
Year 2023 = 3,375 actions that reached 152,842 Teachers, students and parents.
19 states in Brazil – 2012 to 2023.
Average involvement of 487 institutions with more than 772,000 children, teachers and parents.
Registered Trademark INPI*
SURF-SAVE
Year 2023 = 44 events that reached 1,495 SURFERS.
Surfers are the most frequent visitors to our beaches and are often responsible for rescues. To qualify this audience, the program teaches basic techniques in drowning prevention, rescue with a surfboard and first aid.
(*) INPI – National Institute of Intellectual Property.
17 states in Brazil – 1999 to 2023
Average involvement of 56 surf-saves per year with a total of 9,536 surfers involved.
Prevention Programs Registered Trademark INPI*
SURF-SAVE PRO
(*) INPI – National Institute of Intellectual Property.
Year 2023 = 04 face-to-face events and 45 online courses reached 187 surf instructors.
Objectives
1. Reduce the number of water incidents in surfers (includes SUP and other non-motorized board sports) and beach users.
2. Provide PROFESSIONAL training in aquatic emergencies for INSTRUCTORS and aquatic sports enthusiasts.
3. Promote a prevention culture among information multiplier professionals in the aquatic environment.
16 states in Brazil – 2015 to 2023
Average involvement of 2 surf-saves PRO and 30 on-line per year with a total of 689 instructors and professional surfers.
Even the best swimmers wear a life jacket when the sport involves the possibility of trauma or sudden illness.
Share this concept I WEAR A LIFE JACKET I like my life!
Registered Trademark INPI*
SOBRASA KIDS
(*) INPI – National Institute of Intellectual Property.
Year 2023 = 77 events that reached
8,479
children and parents.
10 states in Brazil – 2014 to 2023
Sobrasa Kids is a program carried out with children on beaches, swimming pools and schools in a playful and interactive way. Using lifesaving sports and games, children learn the various actions to reduce drowning, based on prevention.
Average involvement of 25 events per year with a total of 17,779 children involved in these 10 years.
LIFESUPPORT FOR DROWNING Basic and advanced
Year 2023 = 272 events that reached 57,744 students.
Courses aimed at health professionals, physical education, aquatic athletes, parents and those interested in the area. Lasting five hours, they teach how to prevent, rescue and use first aid in cases of drowning. They are completely free, ONLINE or in open environments such as beaches, swimming pools, rivers or lakes.
Since 1997, it has been offered with an average involvement of 80 events per year and a reach of more than 150,000 people in these 26 years.
Prevention Programs
Registered Trademark INPI*
First aid
Year 2023 = 02 events that reached 67 students
Course aimed at everyone who wants to know how to act in the event of an emergency in the health area. It is carried out completely ONLINE and FREE or can be carried out in a hybrid format, in open environments such as beaches, swimming pools, rivers or lakes.
Since 1996, it has been offered with an average involvement of 46 events per year and a greater reach of 50,000 people in these 27 years.
Dr Espuma
SOBRASA RESCUE
An event that annually brings together experts and volunteers to exchange information on how to reduce drowning.
Year 2023 = 467 specialists
Event that brings together all experts and volunteers to exchange information that contributes to the reduction of drownings. Since 1996, SOBRASA has held the Brazilian Lifesaving Championship. In 1997, this sporting event was integrated into the International Water Safety Symposium and, in 2004, it was added to include the South American Lifesaving Championship. The largest event in the area held in Latin America, it provides integration and union of Brazilian and international rescue services, in addition to fostering the development of processes and methods used to reduce the number of drownings in Brazil and friendly countries. Always held once a year, for four days, it compiles a series of activities on the subject (technical congress, lifesaving competition and board meeting).
22 events held – 1996 to 2023
Average engagement of 650 people per event
Total of 15,723 involved.
SOBRASA RESCUE 2023
Itapema - SC
MUNICIPALITY + RESILIENT IN DROWNING
Year 2023 = 01 event that reached 245 people.
It encourages and supports municipal managers in identifying the problem of drowning in their region, in addition to helping in the development of customized drowning prevention actions. SOBRASA provides, free of charge, technical assistance in the construction of these actions to public and private entities responsible for places such as public swimming pools, lakes in national parks and water courses where boats cross, among others. It uses several prevention programs as a solution.
Created in 2015, it reaches 10 municipalities and 348,000 people involved.
Registered Trademark INPI*
LIFESAVING CLUB
Total 9 clubs and 72,000 involved.
The "Lifesaving Club" is an exclusive program of SOBRASA in Brazil, which promotes educational activities for drowning prevention, in the form of competitions, classes, courses, games and scavenger hunts, in different aquatic environments: ocean beaches, river beaches and swimming pools. Brings together several prevention programs in one place.
(*) INPI – National Institute of Intellectual Property.
Campaign
World Drowning Prevention Day
Read the entire Manual (click)
3rd year of World Drowning Prevention Day, decreed by the United Nations and World Health Organization, on July 25th.
3 editions and MORE than 100 million people reached.
Prevention Programs
Latin American Week Drowning Prevention
Latin American Drowning Prevention Week involving 13 countries and more than 17 million people in 2023.
7 editions 195 million involved.
Every day, TWO Brazilians die while entering the water to try to save a drowning person.
Help by calling 193 and throwing a floating material, instead of entering the water, and wait for professional help to arrive.
Prevention Programs Results SOBRASA
- YEAR 2023
13,479 hours worked by volunteers. 4,873 face-to-face prevention actions.
314,108 people indirectly involved. 942,324 family members participation
64 students on average per action
(#) Others: scientific support, campaigns, recommendations, articles, book chapters, reviews, and rescue work.
Number of Prevention Actions
4,697
Prevention Programs
Volunteers in action
Programs
Programs
Programs
Prevention Programs
Prevention Programs
Prevention Programs
Prevention Programs
More than 70% of drowning deaths occur in rivers, lakes, and dams.
Prevention Programs
Volunteers in action
Meetings & Ceremonies
Meetings & Ceremonies SOBRASA Meetings
We hold an average of 13 meetings per month, distributed as follows: Directive, operational, administrative, planning, fundraising, fiscal, technical and departments.
We met with national institutions such as Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health, ABNT, ABRAMEDE, SAMU, Blue Flag, CCFEx - Army Physical Training Center, CDEx - Army Sports Commission, CEBEM - Brazilian Committee of Sports Masters, DDM - Department of Military Sports, National Civil Defense, Brazilian Army, FAB - Brazilian Air Force, Brazilian Navy, PROFESP - Forces in Sports Program, Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, UNIFA - Air Force University and international ones such as ILCOR, AHA, WHO, ILS and IDRA. All with a single goal: to help our volunteers to better carry out their prevention actions.
New SOBRASA National Strategic Plan for Drowning Reduction
SOBRASA, through its Board of Directors, is promoting the revision of its Strategic Plan. In general terms, the plan foresees actions for a 2-year horizon (2024-2025), which are aligned with our mission, vision and values. Preliminary environmental analyses (SWOT and Pestel) were carried out, from which a reference document was produced, as it is a dynamic plan, focused on the current moment and which undergoes constant updates and alignment, without, however, deviating from its central line. The main purpose is to build the future we aspire to, that is, to live in a country that is aware of the problem of drowning and that adopts effective preventive measures to reduce it in all aquatic environments.
Tributes Grêmio Náutico União
& Ceremonies
Honor Trophy for SOBRASA
Secretary-General from de Brazilian Association of Medicine in Remote AreasABMAR
Tributes Meetings & Ceremonies
Medal of Merit from the 8th Battalion of Military Firefighters of Paraná for outstanding services provided
Col Edemilson Barros, Dr David Szpilman e Dr João Claudio
Tributes Meetings & Ceremonies
One of the 8 rooms of the World Conference on Drowning Prevention named after the Secretary General of SOBRASA
Fabio Braga Martins, President of SOBRASA
Meetings & Ceremonies
Tributes
Professor Dr. Danielli Mello, SOBRASA Director, received the Centennial Medal from the School of Physical Education of PMESP in recognition of her services to the people of São Paulo, promoting health and quality of life, as well as physical and operational training for members of the Military Police. The event took place on March 8, 2023, in São Paulo
SOBRASA Year 2023
176 million coverage
1,3 billion views TVs, Radios, Newspapers, blogs and others
1,572 € 1.920.959,87 generated from spontaneous media.
Results SOBRASA Year 2023
1,563 TVs, Radios, Newspapers, blogs and others (ATL).
January 2023 - 124 articles
Unfortunately, suction incidents continue to cause drowning deaths. They occur mainly in children who can swim.
SOBRASA in the MEDIA
February 2023 – 57 articles
March 2023 – 30 articles
SOBRASA in the MEDIA
April 2023 – 7 articles
Mai 2023 – 102 articles
SOBRASA in the MEDIA
June 2023 – 74 articles
In or around water, take care of your greatest treasure at arm's length and never under the influence of alcohol.
SOBRASA in the MEDIA
July 2023 – 641 articles
August 2023 – 124 articles
September 2023 – 52 articles
October 2023 – 51 articles
November 2023 – 110 articles
December 2023 – 191 articles
SOCIAL MEDIA
224,758 Social Media Followers
42,459 facebook
107,729 Instagram
16,430 Youtube
11,280 Whatsapp groups
2,503 Telegram group members
14,151 webpage subscriber
21 million impressions
58,140 Others (X, LinkedIn, Trends, TikTok, Pinterest and others)
Results SOBRASA
SOCIAL MEDIA
Sociedade Brasileira de Salvamento Aquático www.sobrasa.org
Inflatables of our mascots Sheriff Kim and Captain Tata with a height of 1.80 m (2 of each)
30 sets of 9 SOBRASA flags different colours for different competition uses
Acquired in 2022/3
100 SOBRASA
Institutional Flags
110 sets of 9 risk sign flags
CONSUMABLE MATERIALS
100units (rescue team cap)
Acquired in 2022/3
3,000 units
450 sets CHAIN OF SURVIVAL T-SHIRT
2,000units eco bag
350,000 units (flyers)
450 units (banner 1 x 2m)
Acquired in 2022/3
250,000 units (comic books)
70,000 units (folder Aquatic emergencies)
Acquired in 2022/3
60,000 units (folder surf-save)
20,000 units Miscellaneous Tattoos
200 Banners
140 x 110cm mounted on vinyl
Acquired in 2022/3
1,800 units (memory game)
2,000 units paper masks Kim and Tatá
2,500 units crows
40,000 units (child credentials)
Acquired in 2022/3
2,000 units sky blue tank top t-shirts
8,000 units (eyeglass cord)
3,000 units keyrings
25,000 units (kids buttons)
CONSUMABLE MATERIALS
350 pairs of felt puppets Kim and Tatá, each measuring 32 cm
1,000 Puzzles
Acquired in 2022/3
320 pairs of fabric marionettes, including Kim and Tatá, sized 43cm
150 pairs of felt masks Kim and Tata for Costumes
LIFESAVING STYLE CLOTHES – the desire!
100 Windbreakers
150 Swimsuits & Swim Trunks
1,000 Mouse Pads
Yellow
Program DONATE & RECIEVE
Check out SOBRASA collection
Photo: World Lifesaving Championships in Italy - 2022
SOBRASA collection for each program
Partnerships and Seals of Approval
Partnerships and Seals of Approval
PARTNERS
“
SOBRASA
Seal of Approval”
Quality seal on equipment: Sobrasa stamps its "QUALITY SEAL" on all products tested and approved by lifeguards with more than 25 years of experience in the profession. These are products with our recommendation! Learn more here
Partnerships and Seals of Approval
QUALITY Seal(technical-educational)
Education and training seal:
Educates Lifeguards
Educates swimming teachers and children
The purpose is to qualify companies (legal entities) that wish to provide education in prevention, rescue and first aid with a SOBRASA seal. The SOBRASA seal is provided at 3 different levels according to the depth of content and training to be provided. Learn more here
Courses
Courses
95% FREE & ONLINE
Year 2023 = 776 events, involving 141,530 people and 400 certifications. (*)
Courses that involve health professionals, aquatic athletes, parents/guardians and those interested in the area with a five-hour interaction learn how to prevent, rescue and use first aid in cases of drowning. It is free and carried out completely ONLINE or in a hybrid format in an open environment, and can take place on beaches, pools, rivers or lakes.
Since 1997, we have been offering an average 80 events per year and a greater reach of 345,000 people in these 26 years.
(*) It includes lectures, workshops, instructions on the topics, online courses and professional pool lifeguard certifications.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Sobrasa issues 2 types of PROFESSIONAL certificates:
NATIONAL Certificate – National Validity.
INTERNATIONAL Certificate – Through ILS – International Validity.
TYPES OF CERTIFICATES
Pool Lifeguards – National (partnership with NAUI) and International (ILS).
Lifeguards of Rivers and Inland Waters – National and International (ILS).
Beach Lifeguards – National and International (ILS).
Professional Rescue Watercraft Rescuer – National.
Aquatic Scenery, Age Range, Gender, Activity, Factor precipitant, season, time, etc.
Plan interventions
Consider triggers, actions, interventions, and actors.
Implement and re-evaluate
Preparedness, Prevention, Reaction and Mitigation.
"PREVENTING IS SAVING EDUCATING TO AVOID DROWNING!“
Vilela & Szpilman, 2014
Tools & Alerts
Swimming Pools and Home – Understand, Plan and Intervene
THE PROBLEM – 3.5% of all drowning deaths in Brazil
• 55% of all drowning deaths between 1 to 9 years of age.
• The occurrence during leisure in the pool is 2 times more frequent than the accidental fall.
• In the age group 1 to 4 years, the home and swimming pools represent the place of death in 87%.
• The most affected age group is 1 to 4 years old (48%)
• Children aged 5 to 12 who can swim drown more from the suction of the pump in swimming pools (estimated at 28% of the total in swimming pools).
• They occur in residential swimming pools (49%), clubs and gyms (10%), schools (7%) and others.
• Boys die 2 times more often in swimming pools.
• 44% occur in the summer period, which indicates that impact and seasonal campaigns could be concentrated immediately before this selected period
• The estimated risk of swimming pool death is 1 for every 12,782 swimming pools in a year.
• It is estimated that an average expenditure of 28 million/year with deaths due to drowning in swimming pools.
•The Southeast is the place with the highest occurrence of drowning in swimming pools (42%), although the highest risk is the Midwest region, possibly due to a greater number of swimming pools
The POOL+SAFE program created in 2013 by SOBRASA reduces drowning incidents in swimming pools in its surroundings through the education of swimming teachers and students in gyms, schools and clubs.
Tools & Alerts
Beaches - Understand, Plan and Intervene
THE PROBLEM – 10.4% of all drowning deaths in Brazil
• An estimated 575 drowning deaths per year
• The hardest hit age group is 15 to 49 years of age (58%).
• More than 50% of drowned people say they know how to swim.
• More than 90% occur in rip currents
• Men die on average 12 times more
• 44% occur in the summer period.
• Beaches are the places with the highest number of rescues, with an estimated 56,000 rescues per year.
• An estimated 15,000 lifeguards work on the beaches during the summer
The prevention program – BEACHES+SAFE, created in 1999 by SOBRASA, reduces drownings on beaches through the education of surfers, water sports enthusiasts and health professionals.
IMPLEMENTING INTERVENTIONS AND REASSESSING
Preparedness, Prevention, Reaction and Mitigation
Beach only with lifeguards Present.
Do not enter the water with Red flag. Respect the Signs If you get caught in a rip current, stay calm, don't fight, float and wave for help.
NEVER enter the water to save, throw a floating material and wait for the professional to arrive
a drowned person by calling 193
Tools & Alerts
Rivers, lakes and dams- Understand, Plan and Intervene
THE PROBLEM - 70% of all drowning deaths in Brazil
• 11 deaths per day in Brazil.
• Rivers are the most common occurrence, followed by dams.
1 3 2
• 50% of the drowned were swimming/playing in the river or fishing (16%).
• The reasons for drowning according to witnesses were difficulties when swimming (29%), sudden deepening (18%) and falling from a boat (16%)
• The use of alcohol is responsible for the reduction in risk assessment and overestimation of individual limits in more than 20% of cases.
• The age group over 10 years is the most affected (15-19 years peak-18%).
• Men die on average 9 times more
• 47% occur on weekends
The prevention program – MUNICIPALITIES + RESILIENT IN DROWNING – created in 2015 by SOBRASA aims to reduce drowning incidents in rivers, lakes and dams through safety consulting to municipalities bathed by watersheds, making them more resilient.
IMPLEMENTING INTERVENTIONS AND RE-EVALUATING
Preparedness,
Prevention,
Reaction and Mitigation
Respect the Signs
100% supervision by those who know how to help, and NEVER enter the water drunk or diving headfirst.
Rapids Rivers DO NOT ENTER Non-Rapid Rivers : water at KNEES height at most. If embarked WEAR A LIFE JACKET
Help by calling 193
If you are going to help: Avoid going into the water to help, CALL 193, THROW floating
If you are in danger: Keep calm, FLOAT & WAVE for help and DO NOT swim Against the current.
CLIQUE na figura
Tools & Alerts
Floods - Understanding, Planning and Intervene
THE PROBLEM - 5% of all drowning deaths in Brazil
• Between 1,990 and 2,000, floods were the second most recurrent disaster in Brazil, affecting 30% of all disasters and the most responsible cause of death (44% of the total)
• Drowning is the leading cause of death and makes up 10 times the other disasters combined
• Deforestation, lack of care for garbage and population density contribute to the increase in flooding situations
• Among the causes of drowning, flooding is the disaster with the greatest economic impact
The KIM AT SCHOOL program - created in 2010 by SOBRASA, reduces drowning incidents in FLOODS through education in primary schools.
IMPLEMENT INTERVENTIONS AND REASSESS
Preparedness, Prevention, Reaction and Mitigation
Prevention is the most efficient way to reduce these occurrences:
. Floods occur very quickly, do not risk your life and your family members too
. Consult the Civil Defense before choosing, buying or building on a piece of land.
. Pay attention to weather reports and Civil Defense guidelines.
. Use tall, off-street trash cans and gutters.
CLIQUE na figura
At the sign of rising water levels, pack your valuables.
If there is water in the house, immediately go to higher areas and call 193 or 199.
Turn off the power, only use cell phones and battery-powered flashlights.
Close the gas, water, and doors and windows of the house.
Animals - release them
7. Broadcast alarm to neighbors 8. Stay away from the water currents. 9. If caught in a current, float with your belly up and feet in front of you and wave for help. If possible, get a flotation material.
10. Never try to save someone by entering the water, call 193, throw some floating material and wait for the professionals to arrive.
SURF-SAVE during the last CBS professional surfing circuit -
CE
Taiba -
Tools & Alerts
SOBRASA SCIENCE
Created for you
The drowning chain of survival is the most important tool in drowning reduction and mitigation education.
It describes a step-by-step guide that includes all actions, from how to avoid drowning to the hospital when necessary.
As drowning mainly involves prehospital care in a highly hostile environment – water – and is usually performed by untrained laypeople, it requires an educational approach differentiated from other pathologies to reduce these dramatic numbers.
Tools & Alerts
SOBRASA SCIENCE
What is the importance of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on beaches and resorts and especially in cases of drowning?
AED is not useful in cases of primary drowning, because Cardio-Respiratory Arrest (CPA) is of respiratory cause and, therefore, occurs in asystole in almost 100% of cases where there is no indication for defibrillation. However, AED is useful in these places, where there is a high occurrence of cardiac arrest in ventricular fibrillation (VF), by elderly people who practice various activities and are thus exposed to the risk of Cardio-pulmonary Arrest due to VF. In these, its use can determine the success of resuscitation. The occurrence of an Acute Myocardial Infarction may also be necessary in cases of secondary drowning. Each aquatic health and rescue service should assess the benefits of having an AED available for immediate use at these sites.
Read the SOBRASA recommendation in full here
THE RISK OF DEATH BY DROWNING IN AN AREA WITHOUT LIFEGUARDS IS 60 TIMES HIGHER. Visit aquatic areas with lifeguards and respect the risk flags.
SOBRASA SCIENCE
Created for you
This year there have been several incidents, some fatal, with athletes in open water events. Check out the SOBRASA recommendations
Tools & Alerts
SOBRASA SCIENCE
In covered pools without lightning rods, is there a risk of lightning striking the users? Dr. David Szpilman and Physicist Dr Wado Del Cima, 2018
Considerations
1. At this time, there have been no reported cases of such incidents in pools, indicating that the possibility is rare. However, due to caution and the fact that pool coverings may not have the same composition and have not been specifically tested for this purpose, there is no absolute certainty of safety.
2. According to recommendations from the National Lightning Safety Institute, aquatic activities should be suspended, and individuals should be directed to a lightning-protected location whenever a storm is closer than 13 km, i.e., when the thunder interval is less than 40 seconds
We Recommend:
"Although the possibility of being struck by lightning in a pool with a cover without lightning rods is very low, remove all people immediately from the water, and keep them within the pool cover area"
Tools & Alerts
There is no blindage against drowning, but 99.8% of deaths have a remedy:
PREVENTION
Supervision 100% of the time, because we can't leave anything to chance”.
Every pool for collective use must have a well-trained and prepared Professional Pool LIFEGUARD.
In April, the São Paulo Bathers Protection Service celebrated its 91th anniversary! Congratulations!
Become a Voluntary
How about being part of the solution and not the problem?
Become a Volunteer
This is a great time to join this amazing group of volunteers!!
VOLUNTEERS (categories) REQUIREMENT TO THE CATEGORY Level of engagement
VOLUNTEER OPEN TO ALL
JUNIOR VOLUNTEER OPEN TO ALL
SENIOR VOLUNTEER
MASTER VOLUNTEER
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT (#)
BOARD (#)
10,000 points and 1 year as a JUNIOR
20,000 points and more than 3 years as a SENIOR
Has not yet formalized the Collaboration Agreement (CA)
Knows SOBRASA and had its CA approved to receive material for the actions
Achievement of points
Achievement of points
35,000 points and more than 3 years as a MASTER Vol. MASTER
50,000 and more than 3 years as a HEAD OF DEPARTMENT HEAD DEPART
Achievements and merits awarded by SOBRASA with
Participate in SOBRASA groups and act as an AMBASSADOR in prevention and donation campaigns
Carry out drowning prevention actions with our material received free of charge and participate in the meritocracy program "Who does more, receives more"
Coordinate a group of 5 or more volunteers in drowning prevention actions
Coordinate an unlimited group of volunteers in your state and interact in other state and international actions.
It coordinates a prevention program in all states.
Directs all actions within its board of directors (see board organizational chart)
Our thanks
One star at the age of 1 year, performing at least 8 actions
Second star when you complete 10,000 points
Join our message groups
1 year volunteer certificate and free Basic Life Support course
A SPECIAL token from SOBRASA (*)
Third star by completing 20,000 points A SUPER token from SOBRASA (*)
Fourth star upon completing 1 year as head of department and 35,000 points (#)
Fifth star after completing 1 year as director and 50,000 points (#)
All volunteers are aligned with SOBRASA's mission, vision and values. Points are calculated in the "INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER ACTIONS DESCRIPTION" spreadsheet (your record of actions) (*) varies according to year and availability; (#) apply according to vacancy availability.
Aquatic Rescue Medal
Eligible to run for President
COMMITTED
Volunteers in PREVENTION
Become a Volunteer
QUALITIES OF THE SOBRASA VOLUNTEER
Become a Volunteer
HOW DO I CARRY OUT A PREVENTION ACTION
1 – I will act in favour of life – That's your initial motivation – TO REDUCE DROWNINGS.
2 – Identify the biggest DROWNING-RELATED problem in your area.
3 – Choose an action that best impacts your local problem. Any action can save a life, no matter how small it may seem (see our manual).
4 – Post what you are going to do in our Telegram group SOBRASA - for everyone to participate.
5 – Post your action on your social media tagging @sobrasa #sobrasa #drowning
"Now you're part of the solution, not the problem”
Volunteers who spare no effort to save a life
Become a Volunteer
Do you want to join this drowning prevention team?
Find out how, by joining our SOBRASA group on Telegram
Are you still not showing everyone what you're doing
Just a blink of an eye, and a drowning happens
Photo Josafa & Evaldo, flood in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, PE, June 2022.
Technical Data
Be part of a daily exchange of information about drowning, clarify your doubts about SOBRASA, join the our group on Telegram https://t.me/sobrasa
Tag #sobrasa @sobrasa
We want to share your amazing drowning prevention actions with the whole world.
ANNUAL SOBRASA REPORT 2023- Brazilian Lifesaving Society SOBRASA - Posted online on http://www.sobrasa.org, Year 2: January 2024.
financial assistance of the DHL and Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the Brazilian Lifesaving Society (SOBRASA) and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the DHL or Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.”
28 years ago, the SOBRASA dream began - to make our Brazilian society safer in the water.
Each year, new dreamer warriors joined this challenging journey, and thus, we matured our mission, vision, values and goals became stronger.
The drowning issue is complex, and the solution is diverse, mainly involving the education of the population and professionals who deal with water.
Over the years, we have collectively established a significant portion of the global protocols used in drowning prevention, rescue and first aid, demonstrating the power that an ideal and the unity around it can achieve.
The drowning data shows a 47% reduction in the number of deaths per 100,00 inhabitants in Brazil between 1996 and 2023, confirming the effectiveness of these actions.
As the Founder, first President, Former Medical Director and current Vice President and General Secretary, I feel honored, proud and extremely grateful to have made great friends and shared this journey shoulder to shoulder over almost three decades within SOBRASA and to have had the opportunity - with the support of our partners - to witness the even greater expansion of our volunteer base and the distribution of more drowning prevention.
